April 22, 2026
Science Fest Africa 2026, organized by Turkish Maarif Foundation, has officially opened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with a comprehensive inauguration program. Bringing together participants from 27 countries across the African continent, the festival stands out as an international platform aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation in science, technology, and education. Students, academics, and institutional representatives from a wide geography—from Madagascar to South Africa, Senegal to Ethiopia, and Algeria to Cameroon—are coming together through science competitions, start-up presentations, panels, and experiential zones to exchange knowledge and experience.
The opening ceremony began with protocol speeches and national anthems. Attendees included Turkish Maarif FoundationPresident Mahmut M. Özdil, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Abidjan Deniz Erdoğan Barım, TMF Board of Trustees Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Arkan, Board Members Ahmet Türkben and Dr. Halime Kökce, representatives from Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of National Education and Literacy, Maarif Foundation country representatives in Africa, executives from international organizations, and numerous academics.
In his speech, Mahmut M. Özdil began by celebrating April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and emphasized that the festival is a strong reflection of Türkiye’s long-term cooperation vision with Africa. He stated: “The fact that young people from across the African continent have come together today around science, technology, and innovation gives a much deeper meaning to the week of April 23. Investing in youth is investing in peace, progress, and a more just and sustainable shared future.” Highlighting that the festival is more than just an event, Özdil added: “Science Fest Africa is far more than an event. It is a vibrant platform for meeting, dialogue, and production. Through competitions, panels, start-up zones, and experience areas, young people are transforming their ideas into concrete solutions. Projects are being developed in vital fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, agricultural technologies, and the environment. Each of these projects directly addresses the fundamental challenges of our time. We believe that the best solutions often emerge closest to local realities. Therefore, we encourage projects rooted in local needs yet open to the world.”
Ambassador Deniz Erdoğan Barım highlighted the strategic importance of education, science, and investment in human capital in Türkiye-Africa relations, addressing the youth: “You are the most valuable treasure of this continent. Your creativity, energy, and determination are the keys to the future. Do not be afraid to innovate, experiment, and dream big. The world of tomorrow needs your talents! I wish great success to the second edition of Science Fest Africa. I hope this initiative continues to grow, inspires thousands of young people across the continent, and creates a positive impact. I am proud to see Türkiye and Côte d’Ivoire strengthening their cooperation in knowledge, innovation, technology, and solidarity. Together, let us build a future where science and education form the foundation of sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous development.”
Marie Christ Allou, Technical Advisor at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of National Education and Literacy, emphasized the role of Science Fest Africa in unlocking young people’s scientific potential: “Science and technology education not only supports academic success but also inclusive development and the construction of a sustainable future. Science Fest Africa is a highly valuable gathering that brings young people together with innovative thinking and makes Africa’s scientific capacity visible.”
Coşkun Yılmaz, Turkish Maarif FoundationRepresentative in Côte d’Ivoire, underlined the multidimensional nature of the event: “This event goes beyond being just a festival; it is a concrete expression of knowledge sharing, international cooperation, and our strong belief in a shared future. Together with participants from 27 countries across Africa, hundreds of young people are gaining valuable experience on their journey to becoming future scientists by showcasing their projects.”
Science Fest Africa 2026 is considered a concrete reflection of Türkiye’s educational diplomacy in Africa, offering a multi-layered cooperation platform that promotes scientific thinking among youth, cross-country knowledge sharing, and a culture of joint production. Projects in fields such as electronics and robotics, computer technologies and artificial intelligence, agricultural technologies and greenhouse farming, environment and sustainability, and natural sciences are being exhibited. Participants have the opportunity to present innovative solutions developed from local needs on an international stage.
Following the opening, booth visits and experience areas highlighted the festival’s hands-on approach, while participants from different countries had the chance to compare educational approaches. Later in the day, successful projects were awarded, and the first day concluded with a closing session.
As part of the festival, a panel titled “Designing the Future Through Science and Technology Education” was held. Moderated by Abdulkadir Dikbaş, Turkish Maarif FoundationRepresentative in Djibouti, the panel featured UNDP Côte d’Ivoire Resident Representative Blerta Cela, Senegal Space Studies Agency Director General Maram Kairé, and Yellow Works Founder Muammer Dolmacı. Discussions focused on the impact of science and technology education on youth skills such as problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that sustainable development in Africa is achievable through science-based education policies. The importance of international cooperation, public-private-academia interaction, and early involvement of youth in scientific production processes were key themes.
Overall, Science Fest Africa 2026 stands out as more than an exhibition and competition space, emerging as an important platform for idea generation, policy discussions, and international cooperation. The festival contributes to Africa’s vision for science and technology while enabling young people to bring their innovative ideas to life and fostering a stronger culture of science and technology across the continent.
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